Consultations continue on status of Hyderabad

The UPA government has decided to honour the commitment it made on December 9, 2009 to carve out a separate State of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh, senior party and government sources told The Hindu.

“The die is cast,” a government source said, “as far as the creation of Telangana is concerned,” even though last-minute consultations continue on the ultimate status of Hyderabad and whether two districts of Kurnool and Anantapur from the Rayalaseema region should be added to Telangana to create two States, with 21 Lok Sabha seats apiece.

The key issue, of course, is to address the apprehensions of those from the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions who have, over the years, made substantial investments in Hyderabad, geographically located within the Telangana region. “Some safeguards have to be put in place,” a government source said, “to allay the fears of these people that their investments will be safe.”

One suggestion is to make Hyderabad a union territory for a period of 10 years, with land, law and order and, perhaps the civic bodies, under the overall supervision of the Lt. Governor, the representative of the Centre, as in the case of Delhi.

Three reasons, Congress sources added, eventually weighed in favour of Telangana. One, in the event of a BJP-led NDA coming to power and it announcing that it will divide Andhra Pradesh, the Congress would have to support it: it makes more sense, therefore, to carve out a new State and take the credit for something that it had announced it would do in 2009. Two, the Congress did not eventually want to be seen as going back on a commitment it had made publicly.

Three, electoral considerations: by creating Telangana, the Congress will not only ensure it neutralises the Telangana Rashtra Samiti — which would then become a partner — and deprive the BJP, which has announced its support for the T project, of an election issue, but it would also be in a position to win a majority of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the region, along with the TRS. In the rest of the State, regardless of whether it keeps Andhra Pradesh united or divided, it sees itself in the third position behind Jaganmohan Reddy’s YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). In the last general elections in 2009, the Congress won 33 of the 42 seats across the three regions of the State. The calculation is that only by creating Telangana can it minimise its losses, winning around 20 instead of 33, instead of being reduced to just a handful of seats.

The Congress’s strategy is to ensure that as few seats as possible go to the BJP as it believes that most other parties in Andhra Pradesh will find it hard to back a BJP-led government after the elections for fear of alienating the Muslims.

Now, Telangana decision will go to CWC

Meanwhile, the first step, party sources say, will be to get the decision to create Telangana endorsed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC), something that should happen before the end of the month. At last week’s Congress Core Group meeting, it was decided to have a few more meetings before calling the CWC: at that meeting, one of the participants had said that Telangana had “the upper hand” even though in politics, anything could happen.

If the CWC endorses the decision, it has to go next to the Union Cabinet from where it goes to the President, who would then send it to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. However, government sources stressed that the approval of the State Assembly is not mandatory: it is only to elicit the “views” of the MLAs. Indeed, if a reply is not received within a prescribed time, then it can go to Parliament for approval. It is only after that is done that the various ministries will get into the act to work on the details of separation, such as cadre allocation.

Finally, the pro-T lobby in the Congress was also able to address the concerns of those who had objected to the creation of a separate State by saying it would give Maoist activity a boost by pointing out that of the eight districts in the State deemed to be affected by Left-Wing Extremism by the Union Home Ministry, four — Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam and Warangal — are in the Telangana region, while the other four — East Godavari, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram — are in the other region.

Many from this generation forget history. Andhra state was carved out of Madras in 53 and stayed as a state till 1956. Was the late Potti Sriramulu anti-India?

The merger was conditional, and with assurances to take care of the insecurities of Telangana people.

Many of the conditions of the merger have been violated willy nilly. Whether it is dilution of Mulki rules (held by SC) or the numerous committees's reports (Lalit committee, Bhargava Committee) or Girglani Commission all of them point to violating the agreements.

Telangana people want the demerger to take place. In a democracy people's wishes must be respected. No leader however 'smart' can continue a movement without people's support

from:
soonya

Posted on: Jul 21, 2013 at 11:37 IST

Telangana will be new state by new year2014 with hyderabad as its capital.Dont worry about invetsment in hyderabad.please respect the demands of people of that region.Langauage alone cant be criteria for state.Afterall there are so many hindi speaking states in northern India.

from:
SANDEEP YADAV

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 22:30 IST

I have never been to Andhra Pradesh so I may not be as emotionally linked to the issue as others. The division of states seems inevitable. Both the Congress and BJP seems to be on the same line of thought and Congress doesn't want BJP to take all the credit. I would only sincerely hope that this demarcation doesn't take place because there is simply no end. Can someone point out the advantages that Jharkhand,Chhatisgarh,Uttarkhand has had? Already the people on both sides of the divide are talking about resource sharing and related issues. There is already Vidharba, Bundelkhand, Gorkhaland,Greater Nagaland in waiting. Wake up people.

from:
debajit

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 14:50 IST

@ Prasad...People from different parts of India have come to hyderabad because of opportunities which the city has provided. Even before independence, a sizeable number of settlers especially from the current maharashtra region have settled and prospered in this place. Like every person who works at a place they have contributed to the growth (in terms of economy, size and population ) to the city. Indians settling in western countries also have performed exceptionally well. If settlers contributing to growth of a place is a reality, is it also not true that in the first place they have selected Hyderabad over their own place to work only because it provides greater scope for growth and development. So, my request is that please do not be under the false impression that if a section of people stop working at a place or leave the place the place is not going to develop anymore

from:
krishnan

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 13:13 IST

Poor Ragahvan. It was with this attitude the then Home Minister Mr. Chid made an irresponsible statement on Telangana, when KCR was fasting for a totally different issue related to Telangana. His fast then was not actually for a separate statehood. People from any part of India can live in Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai or elsewhere in India. I choose to live in a certain place in India, just because i am entitled to that privilege as an Indian. It has very little to do with the locals large or small heartedness. We have come out of those ancient times. Please understand that. People of Andhra Pradesh, from Adilabad to Nellore, are living in Hyderabad because it is their capital city. People will never ever excuse those (people or individuals) who divided the state.

from:
Chaithanya J

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 11:50 IST

I am from Andhra Pradesh living in Chennai now with no interests (political, monetary) in Hyderabad. Now that a few jobless people wanted a place for them to rule, GOI is ready to carve out a state. Few people and parties might succeed in getting political mileage in this game. Who cares for the Republic?
Do not use hearts... divide by caste, religion, and many other official parameters, now they dot down to a new one - divide by regions. Progress.

from:
Chaithanya J

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 09:32 IST

Telangana is a unique case in that it is not creation of a new state but a demerger of an existing state that was in the first place formed under certain conditions and packages and unfortunatly under dominant andhra rule all these were violated in toto and thus the craving for separation and self rule. Regarding Hyd it is geographically right in the middle of T and thus when so many other early migrants who have made this city unique with its plural culture and livable all thanks to the large heartedness of the then Nizam and the local Telanganites are happy how come the andhras are feeling insecure as is being made out by its leaders.How can you have special provisions only for Hyd when other cities having large migrant population like Mumbai and Bangalore also will demand something special. The andhra rulers have neglected their constituencies like they did during the past and demanded a share in Madras. They have to be practical and build their own capital etc.

from:
Ragahvan

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 06:05 IST

I wonder why a political party has the power to divide a country or state - (political party are not the authority in my knowledge) a commitee authorised by all party and the supreem court has to bring a solution where the parliment will vote and the supreem coutry will justify and the president will sign

from:
hameed

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 05:17 IST

Its true congress started all this for political gains. This article hardly debates real issues that may arise out of division. At least it does not say there will be no issues by division. Further the reporter thinks this is internal affair of congress. We know other parties gave their consent. Yet how congress can ignore other parties and apolitical units? More than this division, the general mindset of people is rather scaring.

from:
prabhakar

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 00:53 IST

For Andra prople , please understand that Telangana was a separate state before merger. We are just asking demerger!.
All other disputes like water will be solved by central water tribunals.

I know lot of Andra people work in Bangalore/Chennai..
So what is different in Hyderabad?.

It is Modi's effect, Congress is realzing that BJP will give state
if Congress can't.

No one CAN TRUST congress Until bill is passed in Parlament.

from:
NaveenDallas

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 00:23 IST

Politicians are flaming and exploiting the difference of opinion amoung people to capture power. Hence division of country is not serving its intended purpose. Thus it boils down to: More states = more politicians= more beaurocracy= more corruption !

from:
Vinod

Posted on: Jul 20, 2013 at 00:15 IST

Is giving T s Sarva Roga Nivarini ?

from:
Uday

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 23:56 IST

End of congress also looks certain!

from:
comment

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 22:37 IST

Sorry to express....Telangana will not come..alone.it will bring many states..so it will never be one,but there may be many or none.....In future,there will be demands ,fasts to suicides from different casts.people will lawfully demand that their people are not developed so they need separate state...

from:
sudhakar Muvvala

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 22:06 IST

The article really gives us clarity on how developments will take place in the coming days the entire news item reveals the strategy the congress party and their insight these kind of information is very much needed at least some of the people realize and open their brain into reality

from:
Yvrkprasad

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 21:42 IST

Today it is Telangana. Tomorrow it will be Adilabad and Srikakulam. Next south India and north India. If Telugu people can have 2 states, Indians can have 4 countries. All Indians from 4 countries can happily live like brothers and sisters. In UN any concept related to India will by default get 4 votes. We can easily defeat Pakistan in UN resolutions as we will have 3 additional votes. Progressive thinking. Scientific too.

from:
Chaithanya J

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 21:11 IST

I dont beleive this 'congress govt' drama! Even now i am doubtful that 'congress' will finally grant a 'T' state!!<

from:
Ramesh

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 20:40 IST

Because every one looking for their own share of the present atmosphere, a detailed study is needed about Rayalaseema which is under developed out of the three regions and no major to say about it. Now it is advisable to move towards to remove the imbalances of the regions in the levels of the development before any consideration of the demand for bifurcation of the State of Andhra Pradesh

from:
Shaik.Rfafeeq Ahamed

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 20:28 IST

If the congress party has decided to split the state with 2 Rayalaseema districts in both Andhra and Telangana then
In Andhra Region:
1) Congress would win 0 seats out of 21 seats in the Andhra region.
2) Congress would loose almost all of its cadre in Andhra region as there would be no leader who would dare contest on behalf of congress in the Andhra Region even if they contest they would loose.
In Telangana Region:
1) TRS would definitely take more than 50% of the credit as they have every right to say that due to there pressure that the congress has given the separate state.
2) Congress would win only about 10 seats in the remaining 21 seats. So the outcome of giving a separate state would be 10/42 MP seats.
Im sure congress would win more seats if the state is united. If they dare take the step to divide the state that would be -21 MP's for the congress for the next 2 decades as it would hit majority of the families who have an emotional bonding with Hyderabad.

from:
Chaitanyaa

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 19:51 IST

How can we compare India to USA or Australia. They are three times larger in area and 1/3 of our population. It is unfortunate political considerations are deciding the fate of the state rather than the best interests of the people. We all know the fate of smaller states and the problems they are facing. Politicians are resorting to these tactics so they can benefit. The poor man will stay poor whether the state is divided or not, in both the regions. History is a great teacher. We have to remember that the only reason the British could conquer us was because we were a divided lot.

from:
Prabhu Maruteru

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 19:24 IST

If at all state bifurcation is inevitable it should be based on the development not should be based on number game (how many MP seats cong will win in 2014 elections if it gives T state) neither on somebodies visualized map (10 districts map).
When we talk about this Rayala telangana when you are respecting Telangana sentiment why are you not even thinking to take Rayala seema people's opinion??? Don't they have any culture of their own? don't they have history of their own? won't they have any sentiments??

upon on all these sentiments anti sentiments .. we have water and natural resources issues..

Just for the numbers sake and only for political millage if Cong is bifurcating the state It is very sad state of politics they are playing...

from:
sudha

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 17:46 IST

Who are these politicians to divide the state I dont understand.
We people elected them to work on behalf of public(for which we people are paying tax to govt)not to divide and rule.
Finally who is going to be benifited ?
Lets think about ammendments that we have in our constitution say roughly 97 not about state counts.
Developed countries like US have only 27 ammendments which shows how strong/powerful US constitution/Govt is.

from:
Jyothsna

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 17:40 IST

I would suggest permanant union teritory status for Hydrabad. It will help in growth of Andhra, Hydrabad and Telengana all.

Santosh

from:
Santosh

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 17:27 IST

Good, someone has mentioned that people will have to work in Telangana as they are working elsewhere in India. But just get to the root of emotional pressure you experience while working in other states. However, I seriously condemn the Congress - acting cowardly before the election. It is not just securing their future but degrading the human emotions of many Andhraites (I have friends from Telangana, who are equally dejected to see all this menace as I am).

Referring to the point of small states can see the growth well, can anyone answer what happened to the already created small states. Are they in the path of growth really? Friends, just look into the stats and confirm before making a statement.

Here, I would also kike to express my feeling for The Hindu's biased opinions. Somehow, in recent times as it is in favor of the Congress government. Otherwise, is there any need to publish this article in the front page?

from:
venkat

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 17:18 IST

@GLNMurthy,
//investors/bussinessmen worried of change of their control over decision making ,other that no problem at all due to division of the state//

we, as a normal citizen also have a problem. we will be deeply hurt after state separation. why only say about investors or politicians, there are people like us also who wished state to be united.

from:
Prasanth

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 16:57 IST

Sridevi Ji,

Things have come to this extent only because the promises( package, council, gentlemen's agreement) have not been kept. It is not that they have been given a thought.

Coming to natural resource's there are central tribunal's for that. The division will happen over a period of time and taking into consideration the natural resources allocation. The state division will not happen overnight!

Nobody can sustain a movement for this long without people's support. Even TRS cannot stop the division of the state. It is out of their hands. It has long gone into the hand's of the people. They are driving it.

from:
Kranthi

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 16:15 IST

people's condition will remain the same only the telangana people can now become CM that's the difference.

from:
karthik

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 15:31 IST

This telangana is still a puzzling thing. Some say they want and some say they don't want. Any proper report, why its needed or not needed.?? Before division did ppl ever think of a separate package for telangana region like the package they gave for SC/ST. 40% 0r 50%? Any thing done or tried before talking about DIVISION.?

And lets say state division is final, is there any committee to give report on how division should happen, how water and other resources are utilized.?? Any steps to stop fights between neighboring states..??

Currently AP and country are in a very bad situation. does division bring any thing better at-least for the future generation.? How can we expect better situation with this corruption and bureaucracy..!!

All questions No answers..!!

from:
Sridevi

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 14:55 IST

Those who suspect problems from state division mension about water problem(will be there even state is not seperated-its national issue to be resolved by centralized comittee over rivers ),naxalite problem(its there throughought the country,there is no imaginary amplification to the issue due to state division,actually more alertness can be improved to check foreign funding for the maoists),Hyderabad investment and Jobs of Andhra(Many andhra people are doing jobs in chennai and bangalore and doing bussiness successfully,why cant in new telangana also)....all problems raised by investors/bussinessmen worried of change of their control over decision making ,other that no problem at all due to division of the state

from:
GLNMurthy

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 14:22 IST

Its unfortunate that most of the commented people are ignorant about the formation of AP. First andhra became separate state in 1953. Can any one tell why it has been divided from madras? do you have any special reason for that?. AP formed in 1956 on one Gentleman agreement which states that 40:60 should be shared with telangana as it is very backward area and urudu was dominated language and andhra was ruled by british were most of the people are educated. when state from in 1956, the people from andhra occupied most of top positions and other side people are suppressed. Later 610 GO and lot of commissions came but non of them was implemented. Always remember that a agitation comes only out of suppress. CM talks about package, it means that that region is Backward and its accepted and wants to close the people mouth with money. There are lot of other states in the name of hindi, so no problem with 2 states with telugu.

from:
sree

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 14:03 IST

T is gonna be a reality, either with BJP or Congress. Lets talk about the Krishna and Godavari too. KCR is openly saying that he will not let the water flow to the coastal regions. Agri rich Andhra will vanish away if that happens... We dont want a Cauvery like situation.

from:
Raja

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 13:35 IST

India is the largest democratic country with more than 120 crores population have only 29 states ,but united states of america is have only 25 crores population with more than 50 states ,and Australia have only 4 crores population with 7 states. Therefore, India should be divided more than 100 states for good governance . For example, micro family is good compared to joint family .

from:
sandeep

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 13:25 IST

At last " the long cherished poor man's word is seems to be heard".. People have an understanding on the Socio , Economic and cultural background and sufferings of the people of Talangana will definitely support Telangana.. No more politics.. With this much of population demand for increase of States is Anti- Nationalism. Creation of a state is a threat to our language or Culture.. History always witnessed the voice of mighty dominates the decisions for long time , but not permanently. Madam Sonia has perhaps taken a wise decision .. beyond the politics.. whether Rahul be PM or Not..? . The apprehensions are mostly imaginary and have every solution.. The fundamental underline of Unity in diversity is always coexisted in our mother land..My brothers of Seemandhra need not worry about their safety.. it is only political fears being created around.. In Telangana people from all over India and abroad living together.. People talking on Naxalism should no the History .. Thanks to Hindu.

from:
sagar

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 13:00 IST

Why a state in a country?-State is administrative entity managing some subjects which need quick decisions-a collection of districts form a state-When states formed in our country-linguistic identities were considered and now Hindi speaking states are more in number hence it has been proved that number of state divisions is not going to affect our national integrity-hence linguistic identity only serve the purpose of seperation from national connectivity-to become stron nation-we need strong center and excellent administration at the grossroot level reducing delays in decision making in administration-for a population of 10crores telugus 5 states will be very good solution of administration-sentimental thinking over this issue is no more scientific and useful for the society-lets divide India in to more small states and make our country strong

from:
GLNMurthy

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 12:27 IST

"Divide and rule" always applies.

from:
Brij

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 10:45 IST

The statehood for Telangana was promised since 2009 and is being delayed as, as it appears the centre has no clear idea as to how the division is to be carried out with out hurting the regional interests involved.The division of A.P.is not going to be an easy task. Great statesmanship and intelligence is needed.If the task is accomplished to every body's satisfaction, a lot of unnecessary troubles, possible bloodshed, can be avoided. This event will be a historical moment for all those who want to separate.

from:
Dr. D.V.Ramanarao.

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 10:22 IST

sir, it is unfortunate that our leaders of past wished to stay united bordering the three states making a linguistic state of Telugus or Andhras. their wish is to compose telugu speaking people have a state of their own.such Andhrapradesh has formed-the name also is alien not( TElugudesam ). like other states as Karnataka, Maharashtra or Tamilnadu. here also telugu people are derived of their nativity and accepted as Andhrapradesh.
Now there is an accusation that Andhras occupied all the posts and jobs of Hyd. the fact is that once the capital shifted from Kurnool to Hyd. naturall all hope that this our place also.we can have our investments and business and so the city flourished also. there may be some flaws in administration which could be rectified but our netas as usual are indifferent to such problems.hence this separate agitation started
State bifurcation is sad as another language dominates,water disputes etc and it going to happen.hope this letter published.

from:
kvl shanta

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 10:14 IST

For the last few years,there have been demands for creation of new states in India. Demand for division of Assam,Bengal, UP and few other states to create new states has also been there for the past several years. If the Telengana state is created,,then the government will have to think of creating few more states in India and it appears that the demand for new states will never be stopped.Therefore, government should set up a expert committees to analyze the whole thing in respect of necessity of new states in India.Government should treat the issue of creation of new state from macro level.Just creating Telengana state will not bring ending to the demands for new states in India.Telengana issue can not be treated separately and Telengana issue does not deserve any extra care from the government of India.

from:
MAHESWAR DEKA

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 10:08 IST

Why split this beautiful state of Andhra Pradesh ?

What is the secret behind this act of a seperate Telangana ?

Eventually every political party is behind coming to power.

from:
Neddy

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 10:04 IST

Another fire fighting operation, in view of electoral gains or minimising loss, rather than honest acceptance of the legitimacy of the demand of the people of Telengana regions who have been spearheading the movement for a separate Telengana for decades. To deny the BjP , chances of coming to power, what more steps are in the offing? Most probably, the next announcement following the creation of Telengana, special status to Bihar to win over Nitish Kumar, who himself is in an unenviable position, these days. Will the Congress follow up with the same spirit the Sri Lankan Tamil, and Tamilnadu fishermen's issues, just to score a few electoral points? What a pathetic situation the congress is in?

from:
Shekar

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 10:04 IST

Seems that the only options that the CWC will need to weigh is POLITICAL SURVIVAL. I never knew or beleived that states could be bifurcated if the ruling party wanted to ensure political survival. Just think about the needs of the people - do they really feel that bifurcation of state will improve their lifestyle? I seriously doubt that. And given the violent reactions of the TRS goons, I am very skeptical on what they will do if they come to power. Politics is dirty and this decision on political grounds seems the lowest ebb of politics. How the hell will they safeguard the great metropolis of Hyderabad? I am yet to see a single argument or a presentation detailing out the problems of each and every region and how statehood can benefit them - only the SKC report of 2009 is available on this - no political party has made any case from resource perspective - its always about congress being wiped out or survival etc etc. Ashamed to see this in a so called democracy.

from:
Srikanth

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 09:59 IST

Is it going to b a nw strategy to stay in the power?? Divide and Rule...wht was practised by the Britishers.....

from:
Joydeep Mukherjee

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 09:12 IST

No Wonder Congress Party refers the Telangana issue to the UNO
From the last four decades all Parties are playing with the issue shamelessly.

from:
K. Srinivas

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 08:55 IST

Unfortunately, none of the reasons given concerns the welfare of common man. They are talking about ensuring investments in Hyderabad not being hurt, and getting maximum number of seats in the next elections. If Congress gives Telangana it may be the end of Congress party in Andhra and Rayalaseems areas, similar to it's status in Tamil Nadu. This will be good for Andhra and Rayalaseems regions since these regions will stop contributing enaramous amounts towards development of Hyderabad and rest of Telangana

from:
Prasad

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 08:14 IST

It is indeed sad. First the British used the divide and rule policy, and now the Government is doing the same thing in the name of development. Can nothing be done against such divisive politics. We have already broken Bihar, MP, UP, and the result is there in front of us all.

from:
Girish Balasubramanian

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 07:40 IST

It is a shame that the congress party is going to divide the state into two for political gains and not for any economic or societal benefit of the people living in the state.

from:
Murli

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 07:22 IST

It is a well known or a proven fact that smaller states can administratively be handled more efficiently, besides excelling in economy thus leading to overall development.

But what is disturbing is the fact that the government is guided more by its performance in general elections than by the administrative/economic/social factors. It seems creating states has become a political affair.

from:
Deepak B M

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 06:33 IST

More states creation for feeding the hungry/corrupt politicians and their cronies. Nothing on good governance ? When the world is reducing its public sector and governmental institutions India is increasing them !

from:
Avinash

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 05:46 IST

Except for J&K no state has special status and every Indian citizen is protected equally well whether they belong to Andhra, Saurasthra or Vidharbha region. Indian Constitution does not discriminate on the basis of what language or dialect one speaks. Hyderabad already is a cosmopolitan city by any measure and people from all over India are pursuing their businesses without any issues. There is really no need to have special laws. We just need to enforce existing laws in letter and spirit and ensure Andhra's interests, like everyone else, will be protected.

It is understandable that people who invested their money and are gainfully employed in the region to express uneasiness but law is crystal clear. No one can be discriminated and every citizen has equal right to live where ever he/she chooses, and pursue any and all lawful business endeavors.

It is time for the Telangana people to step and assure their Andhra counterparts that their interests will be protected.

from:
Krishna Dammanna

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 03:09 IST

All the three reasons prescribed above are political.will the Government be considering any pons and cons that will effect the life of people of state.Who will win by this divison,will it be political group or a common people.It totally make sense that it is easy to govern a smaller state then a bigger one but if it will get divided on basis of casteism or any other political reason, then one day each family would be a different state if we go on dividing it further

from:
Bhavey Bhatia

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 02:35 IST

Modi effect! Reluctant Congress suddenly wakes up. The state suffered enormous loss due to indecision of the Congress. But Telangana won't believe the Congress till the Bill is passed in the Parliament.

from:
hanmi reddy

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 01:51 IST

Deja vu! We always see similar news before elections! This time its the Panchayath elections!

from:
Desi

Posted on: Jul 19, 2013 at 01:05 IST

IF Telengana is created,then the central government will have to be ready to create many more new states like Gorkhaland/Badoland etc in India.So, government must examine the issue of Telengana from the macro view point.If Telengana's demand is met and others' demands for creation of new states are not accepted,then,there will be revolt in those areas where demand for new states have been raised.Accordingly, Assam ,Bengal and another few states will have to suffer from agitations etc.Therefore,government of India should set-up a an expert committee to look into the issue of creation of new states.If expert committee recommends, then all the new states be created simultaneously. the main thing is solution of Telengana should not be the cause of unrest in other parts of India................................

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Preparation for celebrating the Festival of Colours - Holi is in full swing with small-time vendors and in Begum Bazar and others areas in Hyderabad stocking materials like colours and Chinese sprayers. Photos: Mohammed Yousuf.